Ralph T. Averesch

OTTOVILLE – With heavy hearts our family announces the passing of our beloved husband father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Ralph T. Averesch, after a long battle with dementia. He passed away at 11:58 p.m. on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at the age of 87.

Ralph was born on May 10, 1939, to Ben and Anna (Wolke) Averesch. He was the youngest child of eight siblings. Ralph, baptized Ralphael Anthony, being the youngest had the nickname, Ralphie. Ralph served in the U. S. Army from 1959 to 1961 in Germany. He drove a tank and also drove his commander in a Jeep, who gave him the nickname, Ave. After coming back from Germany, he met the love of his life, Judith Ann Miehls. On August 25, 1962, Ralph and Judy were married. Out of this marriage came four children, eleven grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. Ralph retired from S-K Hand Tool, Defiance, where he worked as a Drop Forge Operator.

Ralph enjoyed camping for many years and also enjoyed going to the VFW Friday evenings. He always had a huge garden, loved mowing and snow blowing. Ralph and Judy enjoyed dancing, going on bus trips and just enjoyed life. He adored his children, grandchildren, and all the little greats.

He was a lifetime member of the Ottoville VFW #3740, American Legion Post #715 and former member of the Delphos Eagles #471.

Ralph is survived by his wife, Judith “Judy” Averesch; his four children: Cindy (Jim) Klima, Tina (Zeke) Menke, Amy (Tim) Berelsman and Jeff (Jamie) Averesch; eleven grandchildren: April (Bryan) Hickman, Crystal (Derek) Bartley, Logan (Lauren) Klima, Dylan (Jordan) Klima, Kari (David) Amstutz, Ryan Menke, Alyssa (Chris) Pohlman, Justin (Shavani) Berelsman, Connor (Cheyanna) Berelsman, Jocelyn Averesch and Jayda Averesch; twenty great-grandchildren: Bard Hickman, Jr., James Hickman, Esme Hickman, Fox Hickman, Demi Bartley, Crew Bartley, Dez Bartley, Ledger Klima, Layla Klima, Laken Klima, Leni Klima, Palmer Klima, Augie Berelsman, Emilia Berelsman, Lillian Pohlman, Bennett Pohlman, Myles Pohlman, Olivia Amstutz, Stella Amstutz and Ava Amstutz; and in-laws: Ronald J. Miehls, Rebecca Kelly, and Kathy (Adrian) Weyrauch.

In addition to his parents, Ben and Anna (Wolke) Averesch, Ralph was also preceded in death by five brothers: Wilfred Averesch, Raymond (Dorothea) Averesch, Bernard (Mary Jane) Averesch, Harold (Sandy) Averesch and Gerald Averesch; two sisters: Carmelita (Vince) Schnipke and Angelina (Jim) Erhart; a nephew, Ron Averesch; a brother-in-law, Pat Kelly; and in-laws: Kenny (Marcia) Miehls, Steven Miehls, Earl Miehls, Jr., and Daniel Miehls.

The family would like to thank all of our family and friends, and so many volunteers, who helped Judy with Ralph’s care, while they were out and about or at home. All were so kind to them.

Funeral Mass will begin at 10:30 a.m., Monday, October 19, 2026, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville with Very Reverend George Mahas officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. A visitation will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. on Sunday and again on Monday from 9 to 10 a.m. at LOVE-HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, Jackson Township. A scripture service will be held at 1:45 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home.

Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville or St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ottoville, or Putnam County HomeCare and Hospice in memory of Ralph.

Condolences may be expressed at www.loveheitmeyer.com